Silver sillago
Silver sillago (Sillago sihama) is a saltwater, brackish species recorded in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia. It is mainly found over reef, sand, estuary, mangrove, at depths of 0–60 m. The main season in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia runs summer, autumn.
Scientific name: Sillago sihama · Water: Saltwater, Brackish · Season: Summer, Autumn · Also known as: Northern whiting, Silver sillago / Northern whiting
Size: 8–28 cm
Weight: 0.03–0.25 kg
About
The silver sillago is a slender, small-mouthed fish of beaches, sandbars and shallow estuaries that burrows into the sand when disturbed. It schools and swims fast, making it a classic target for surf-casting and light shore fishing. It is most active in warm weather, peaking in summer and autumn, and it is easy for beginners to catch on small hooks and light leads.
Differences by region
- Hong Kong — Local name：Silver sillago · Season：Summer, Autumn · Common methods：Shore / surf · Size：8–28 cm · Depth：0–60 m · Bottom / habitat：Estuary, Mangrove, Reef, Sand · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly, Iconic target
- Taiwan — Local name：Northern whiting · Season：Winter · Common methods：Shore / surf · Size：8–28 cm · Depth：0–60 m · Bottom / habitat：Estuary, Mangrove, Reef, Sand · Angling traits：Iconic target, Beginner-friendly
- Singapore — Local name：Silver sillago / Northern whiting · Season：Winter · Common methods：General・Shore / surf · Size：8–28 cm · Depth：0–60 m · Bottom / habitat：Estuary, Mangrove, Reef, Sand · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly, High value
- Malaysia — Local name：Silver sillago · Season：All year · Common methods：Shore / surf・Boat · Size：31 cm · Depth：0–20 m · Bottom / habitat：Sand, Estuary, Mangrove · Angling traits：Beginner-friendly, Iconic target
Ecology and habitat
- Bottom / habitat
- Reef, Sand, Estuary, Mangrove
- Depth
- 0–60 m
- Distribution status
- Native
- Trophic level
- 3.3
- Maximum age
- 7 years
Fishery and market
- Game fish
- No
- Market price
- Very high
- Resilience
- High
Angling traits
- Beginner-friendly
- Iconic target
Methods
Sources
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